National Recognition for Dairy Excellence
National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025: The National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025 have been officially announced by the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAHD). These awards are among the highest honours in India’s livestock and dairy sector, highlighting excellence in cattle management, breeding, and cooperative performance. The awards will be presented during National Milk Day on 26th November 2025, commemorating Dr. Verghese Kurien, the architect of India’s milk revolution.
Static GK fact: National Milk Day has been celebrated in India since 2014 to honour Dr. Kurien.
Purpose of the Awards
The awards were instituted in 2021 under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM) to strengthen India’s dairy ecosystem. Their core objective is to promote scientific, sustainable, and indigenous-focused cattle management practices. They also reward outstanding dairy farmers, cooperative societies, and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs) for improving productivity and genetic quality.
Static GK fact: India is the world’s largest milk producer, contributing over 24% to global milk output.
Award Categories and Structure
The 2025 edition has shortlisted top performers from 2,081 applications across three categories. The first two categories—Best Dairy Farmer and Best Cooperative/FPO/MPC—include cash prizes of ₹5 lakh, ₹3 lakh, and ₹2 lakh for the top three positions. Special awards of ₹2 lakh are allotted for winners from NER and Himalayan states.
The AIT category includes a certificate and memento, acknowledging their vital contribution to genetic improvement through advanced breeding.
Static GK Tip: Artificial insemination coverage in India has expanded significantly under RGM to improve indigenous breeds.
Ceremony and Dignitaries
The awards will be presented in New Delhi in the presence of Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh (Lalan Singh), along with Ministers of State Prof. S. P. Singh Baghel and Shri George Kurian. The event forms a central part of the annual National Milk Day celebrations.
Static GK fact: Dr. Kurien founded the Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), which manages the Amul brand.
Key Winners of NGRA 2025
In the Best Dairy Farmer category, Shri Aravind Yashavant Patil from Maharashtra secured the first rank for the Non-NER region. The NER/Himalayan winners include Smt. Vijay Lata of Himachal Pradesh and Shri Pradeep Pangariya of Uttarakhand.
In the Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPC category, the top Non-NER winner is Meenan Gadi Ksheerolpadaka Sahakarana Sangham Ltd, Kerala, while Kulha Duud Udpadhak Sahkari Samiti from Uttarakhand leads in the NER/Himalayan region.
In the AIT category, Mr. Dillip Kumar Pradhan from Odisha secured first position nationally.
Strengthening India’s Dairy Future
The National Gopal Ratna Awards reinforce India’s commitment to improving indigenous cattle breeds, adopting scientific breeding systems, and expanding cooperative-led dairy growth. They also encourage states, cooperatives, and farmers to adopt technology-led, sustainable, and inclusive dairy practices.
Static GK fact: The livestock sector contributes around 30% to India’s agricultural GDP.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
National Gopal Ratna Awards 2025:
| Topic | Detail |
| Announced by | Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying |
| Occasion | National Milk Day 26 November 2025 |
| Inception Year | 2021 under Rashtriya Gokul Mission |
| Total Applications | 2,081 |
| Top Cash Prize | ₹5 lakh |
| Award Categories | Farmer, Cooperative/FPO/MPC, AIT |
| AIT Reward | Certificate and memento |
| Theme | Promotion of indigenous breeds and dairy innovation |
| Key Focus | Genetic improvement and sustainable dairy growth |
| Notable Figure | Dr. Verghese Kurien, Milkman of India |
